The Carnivorous Sundew Terrarium

It's finally time for another terrarium build! In this one I'm making the highly requested sundew terrarium. This one is similar to the venus flytrap in ways and different in others. Regardless the end result is a simple and elegant terrarium that showcases the sundew (Drosera tokaiensis).
As I explained in the video, sundew will thrive in inert substrate free of minerals with bright light and humidity. Also use water that doesn't' have any minerals. If you can provide these and a dormancy period for applicable species, then you should have success. If you want to make a terrarium for them, I'd recommend building it around the plant and think of everything else as a visual enhancement.
Again as I say with most things, if these and other carnivorous plants are something that interest you, do some research! There is a lot of information out there that I just can't touch on in a video like this.
Material List:
Black Lava Rock
Distilled Water
Geotextile Fabric
Glass Container
Substrate (Coco Fiber/Peat, Quarts Sand, Sphagnum Moss)
Plant List:
Acorus gramineus 'Minimus Aureus'
Drosera tokaiensis
Ficus pumila 'Quercifolia'
Marchantia polymorpha (Liverwort)
Saxifraga stolonifera (Strawberry Begonia)
Selaginella kraussiana 'Gold Tips'
Sphagnum Moss
Taxiphyllum 'Flame' (Flame Moss)
If you want to learn more about terrarium and get inspired to see what else is possible, then be sure to check out the terrarium builds playlist. See link below:
• Terrariums
If you have any comments, suggestions or questions, leave them down in the comments! Also for additional content like this, photos of my terrariums, projects sneak peeks and more, follow me on Instagram @SerpaDesign.
/ serpadesign
#sundew #terrarium #serpadesign

[@SerpaDesign]

I really hope you enjoy this one! It was a highly requested project. I personally think it turned out great. Also I added proper CC subtitles to this video for those of you who need them. Let me know if they help and I'll think about adding them to the rest of my videos. Have a good weekend!

[@TheAlinglapalap]

This really looks cool! I'm a bit concerned about the growth rate of the other plants because tokaiensis can easily be outgrown even by sphagnum moss. Give us an update in a few months!

[@gardeninginthedesert]

Subtitles are handy. Sometimes I watch in the middle of the night when I can't sleep and don't want to disturb my husband.

[@DrOctagon]

Great result. Looking forward to the update.

[@SerpaDesign]

Good to know! Thanks for the feedback.

[@wolfer3255]

Why no spring tails or isopods in this one?

[@annebrunner3649]

The diversity of life on this planet never ceases to amaze me.

[@anushthanvishwakarma4837]

But we humans are just destroying it.

[@pokeppokep]

@@anushthanvishwakarma4837 We sure are, and that's why I think artists like Tanner are doing such necessary work showcasing the beauty that's still around us.

[@annebrunner3649]

@@anushthanvishwakarma4837 Watch George Carlin's comedy routine "Saving the Planet." It will give you a different perspective.

[@angerybigdaddy8541]

Anne Brunner I hope the earth will live long and so will the inhabitants.

[@randompersonyoudontknow5763]

@@anushthanvishwakarma4837 Well to be optimistic we're attempting to do some de-extinction of certain animals through cloning or backbreeding (breeding a close relative to display the extinct animal features) however endangered species are kinda getting screwed more over due to covid not really enforcing conversation laws due to no one being outside during the pandemic so its a mixed bag

[@taral.7128]

Me: knows nothing about keeping terrariums Also me: Oh my god ficus pumila quercifolia is my favorite!

[@frostyman349]

Haha same here

[@timmillan6701]

Luckily, they are much easier to find now - has always been a favorite of mine also

[@eliegbert8121]

*God

[@koatam]

@@eliegbert8121 I assumed they worshiped Demeter.

[@eliegbert8121]

@@koatam XD

[@mrether8579]

You’re an artist painting with the never ending pallet of nature, and you do it so well.

[@megrey3772]

You expressed this so well 🥰

[@etrikia]

I'm interested in the longevity of this project. Typically you don't want types of grasses with your carnivorous plants because the roots compete with the delicate ones of sundews. The lava rock is a nice choice, you can actually grow carnivorous plants into lava rocks and make gardens with those- a future project perhaps? :) Tokaiensis love to bunch and multiple their growth points so you might need to remove some plants in the future once they fill out!

[@RachelOLeary]

neat project! I look forward to seeing how the partner plants do long term!

[@SerpaDesign]

Thanks Rachel! I think they should be good based on what I've seen in the past, but time will tell.

[@RachelOLeary]

@@SerpaDesign cant wait to see the updates.its really beautiful!

[@paigerasmussen5212]

Can we get a crossover video with you and @serpadesign? Please?!

[@sarrakitty]

I found a big glass bowl at Goodwill for 5 bucks. It's a big one, big enough I can fit it on my head! it wiil make a great terrarium... I am going to put mexican butterworts mounted on lava rock in it!

[@wjdtpduqcjswo]

can u survive in space wearing it?

[@trenthobson2756]

I love this! To me, it really gives off a prehistoric feel with the use of volcanic rock, and the choice of plants.

[@mlbumller]

Love this planting. Can't believe how slick and more confident your videos have become. Been watching for over two yrs now.

[@caketropolis]

Your videos are the perfect mix of educational and entertaining! Thanks so much for these videos, they really make collecting plants and making terrariums seem so easy!

[@angieangie4419]

Simply eye catching!!! I love how the bright green contrasts with the smokey grey rocks

[@e.s.4184]

I had the pleasure of seeing some wild sundews in one of my courses this semester. Drosera rotundifolia can be found in certain types of wetlands here in Canada, but ours were all pretty tiny!

[@delacruzanselmoabel4998]

I also finished my own terrarium rn before watching this, I was inspired by your creations

[@naseanferguson8715]

Ansel Belle DC I just did my first one last week it took months of planning to get everything but once I finally put it together everyone says it’s beautiful I never knew anything about terrariums until I came across tanners page and now I’m obsessed.

[@seizedcarcass8440]

I think you should revisit this terrarium. I think the reason it didn’t last very long is the fact that sundews and most of all the other carnivorous plants require really soggy soil. You could also get some maxsea liquid fertilizer and sprits the sundews of the tops to give them some nutrients to help boost there growth. Also you may want to do it as a riparian style that is more open to the rest of the room to help allow more insects to make there way to the traps. Maybe you could get some drosera palacea or drosera spatulata

[@sarahfangsrud7584]

Did he give an update somewhere saying this terrarium didn’t last long?

[@spiderflux]

@@sarahfangsrud7584 I was wondering the same thing. Also, since the sundews need to be in a substrate free of minerals, as he said, I'm wondering how the other plants did as they WOULD need minerals, I would think...

[@blooky102]

I decided to make the Isle of Arran biotope in my jar so I will use granite for the drainage layer, then on top of the terrarium mesh I will add lava rock (thin layer), then peat moss with perlite and springtails into the soil and Scottish sphagnum moss on top. The carnivorous plant native to the island is Drosera rotundifolia but there wont be enough room for the other carnivorous plant native that lives there (butterwort) so I might just leave it as is , then I'll seal up the jar with a cork.

[@blooky102]

update: its thriving plus while making it I added another native drosera species seeds to grow with the Drosera rotundifolia , thats called Drosera anglica (found the seeds online), and due to me living actually close to their habitat they feel right at home.

[@mamaremedy]

I hope someday we can see another carnivorous terrarium with multiple plants in a happy arrangement!

[@DIYEcosystems]

Never a disappointment! I have been watching for about a year now and your content is incredible. You were one of my main inspirations to start making my own projects and videos! Thank you for inspiring so many people!

[@fishmanc5357]

You have mastered your ratios dude! From the thumbnail I thought this was a HUGE bulbous container. I was quite shocked to see how small it actually is. Amazing!

[@malakibrooks3254]

I’ve been watching your channel a lot lately and it has really inspired me to make my own creations and connect back with nature. Thank you! Your work is amazing!

[@dianneleon35]

Simple and Beautiful! Maybe it's just me, but my eye kept wanting to see a third sundew in the terrarium. 💓🌿👍 Thanks for the enjoyable vid.

[@SerpaDesign]

I wish I had a third one as well!

[@timmillan6701]

Agreed. It is harder to make two look as natural as three, but the saxifrage kind of balances it all out - very nice job

[@Gorrem]

awesome, I want to do this to my sundew! Can you do an episode explaining your shelf lighting setup?

[@SerpaDesign]

Nothing to discuss really. It's a 6500K shop light. Outputs at 3000 lumens using only 27 watts I believe.

[@fizzylizard2834]

Favorite plant on the first video of this KZbin I watched. Definitely staying on this channel.

[@alabasterkros]

Another Masterpiece! I've always had an interest in carnivorous plants. Thanks for showing your unique ways to present them.✌

[@thibaultdrake9255]

Just going from the thumbnail this one looks insane!

[@joehilton6951]

Could we see some more vivarium projects. We haven’t seen one in a while

[@internetalex562]

Hilton Aquatics or an update video

[@markwilson4686]

I have sundews grow where I live, and I always found them fascinating ever since I had read a book about carnivorous plants when I was a child.

[@fullsavage2743]

Awesome I never knew of a “sun dew” now I want one. You do great work me and my daughter watch a lot of your videos together

[@shelleyshocked]

I've been binging your channel for a while now and its safe to say I am totally obsessed. Your videos are very inspiring and the way you explain the process makes it seem like a very accessible hobby for a beginner. This one is so far my favorite. I'm hoping I can get some Sundew in Australia because I'm going to give this a red hot go.

[@dkfornow5008]

Lovely! The lava rocks really make the sundew pop 😍

[@JoyDreams]

It's really cool. It's a small, round space. It's another world. I saw it well. It's a small entrance, so I think the bell's healed. That's great.

[@AvionDrake579]

May the one person who disliked this be eaten by a giant sundew

[@cd1673]

🙌😂😅😅

[@naseanferguson8715]

🤣🤣🤣👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@Alypinkflower]

LOL

[@souptime5095]

That would actually be the worst possible death

[@souptime5095]

Do it!

[@ellehansen8682]

Thank you so much for the video. All of your content helps fall right to sleep. It’s not boring but calming and beautiful.

[@cloud9.599]

nobody: nothing Danner: DRAMATIC FAN BRUSH MUSIC!!!

[@everfreebrumby8385]

Should have a hidden spot behind the rocks for a piece of fruit to attract fruit flys.

[@persephone2706]

That's not a bad idea

[@Automedon2]

Ha, great minds think alike

[@saw-blade4194]

I love carnivorous plants. This is very cool.

[@swapertxking]

i guess i need to wonder how hard/easy/interesting it would be to make a cave terrarium for mosses and fungi. that is something i'd love to learn about.

[@javiervm332]

Nice, a future update will be appreciated. Thanks for sharing 😃🙏🏻

[@boombapboom]

You're blowing me away!

[@toadpope2522]

So striking! It looks so striking the the black lava rock as a backdrop. I also love that when you look down through the opening the sundew really feel like the focus. Looks incredible as usual

[@lenahills2916]

I think this looks really elegant and a real inspiration to have a go at.

[@romangarcia8706]

Wow this is what I call art

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

Mine turned out well, thanks. I was spurred on by your advice and boundless enthusiam, Tanner.

[@willieverusethis]

You have a great eye for design.

[@dream.fiiend]

Dude this looks fun, challenging and very rewarding to do. I definitely want to try this with micro mini orchids.

[@pinkyysk]

Do love your work so fun to watch you are very chilled and informative. It makes for a great watch

[@yuzurucookie0227]

hearing him pronoucing those plants name was really satisfying. this video gets my like!

[@moontrooper2587]

What the hell, I literally just rewatched the Venus flytrap video literally just yesterday. Beautiful!

[@cd1673]

Oooooo I've been waiting for this one!!!!!! 😁👍👍👍 Nnnniiice!!!!

[@jaystube7713]

Gorgeous! Love it!

[@weirdcat111]

Omg! I don't think you understand how much I love these videos!! They make me so calm and happy watching you make terrariums. I have few terrariums of my own including one with a Venus fly trap in it they are going pretty good. Just a small tip with the carnivorous plants. Venus fly traps can only handle small insects such as baby crickets etc when they eat. Again, love your content. ✌️ 🌱

[@joshs_random_location]

Love Sundew flowers!!

[@spacesosig]

I absolutely love sundews

[@berthaday3473]

Haven't heard the word INERT since 6th grade (glad I paid attention that day). We have wild sundew in Florida, it grows in sand near lakes. It is a wine/red color.

[@Noah-ek8hp]

Yes! I wish I had a sundew, it is my favorite plant!

[@Noah-ek8hp]

@User 6738 I can't, there aren't any in my area

[@sarrakitty]

@@Noah-ek8hp Order one from California Carnivores. Great nursery, look them up online.

[@Sad_cup_of_tea_]

I love Carnivorous plants. Venus fly traps are my favorite but they are not native to my area. I read articles that we do have picture plants but I've never seen them around. Loved the video. I hope someday I'll stumble upon a carnivorous plant :)

[@sweeflyboy]

One day Tanner is going to place individual grains of sand with minuscule tweezers... and then promptly say "I decided to keep this simple so that ..." I love your channel.

[@cody8391]

Out of curiosity how will the non-carnivorous plants do in this nutrient lacking growing medium?

[@WaltzingWhales4]

That’s what I was thinking! I hope he replies.

[@Jellykrop]

I also wonder how the carnivorous plants will eat insects inside the jar

[@tw3503]

yes i think @SerpaDesign need to answer this

[@wessidejoshh4091]

@@Jellykrop sundrews catch prey when they land on their leaves, they curl them up like a octopus tentacle and the leaf dissolves the animal

[@dustone8542]

@@wessidejoshh4091 he asked about non- carnivorous not the insect eater plant

[@RollerCoasterBug]

You always know how to capture the landscape as if you brought home a living photo

[@paulnash6944]

I have two sundews right now! They're just babies right now, so they can't catch prey for themselves right now, so I'm taking care of them as much as I can. I look forward to their full size!

[@foxroarchillmusic5834]

Not only is the end product awesome but so is this video! Nice work man 👍🏼👍🏼

[@mountainman4410]

I just can't get enough of your videos!

[@AndrewsQuest]

I've really liked your hardscapes in your recent videos, seems like you've improve a lot from when I discovered your channel a few years ago. Keep it up! I always like seeing what you're making.

[@opalprestonshirley1700]

Beautiful work.

[@Billie64]

Another fantastic one, so cool

[@chrislecky710]

My hands are tied, so here's an idea gained from a change in perspective, badgers and fox's live in under ground tunnels but their cave networks are shared by many other species,, a terrarium that is modelled on abandoned cave systems would be a great way to show case two different realms at the same time making for a truly dynamic build...im interested to see what your creative thought process with produce with this concept....

[@GrowingInterest]

Very cool 💚 I never testet carnivorous plants with inert soil ingredients, always with tap water (no I don't have chlorine) awesome terrascape 👍😊

[@entropybear5847]

That's cool. Your videos inspired me to start making my own terrariums. Nothing too fancy, but a neat hobby all the same.

[@Xempt_One]

You need to open up a display gallery man, you have so many projects that require curating. Ut would be cool to be able to share that with your locals as a shop/ garden centre type situation.

[@shirleyyoumustbejoking132]

That is very beautiful.

[@JustMe-hc8mp]

I would love to work with sundews. They are native to NC and I've even found some at the park next to me. I'd have to get them elsewhere though, since removing things from the park is not allowed. "devoid" is okay for enclosed settings. In the wild, I've seen them in high nutrient areas (pond edges with muck and mud).

[@ND-pp2wd]

I really like it. Bonsai is looking good also 👍🏽

[@dianalynn6899]

You sir, are an artist, or a plant whisperer.

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

Nice one, thank you. I have a big bowl just waiting for my Nepenthes and Drosera to go in. I hadn't thought about the fabric layer so that's great as I have some capillary matting spare in my greenhouse.

[@ClausCarnivores]

looks very nice, well done

[@justinhumphries6594]

Hey Tanner! My kids and I went throughout our property and made your free terrarium design... It was our first one ever, didn't use a bottle but used an old 3 gallon fish tank we had... They loved it.. but where on earth do you get those tweezers!? I've looked everywhere and can't find them or anything like it

[@themalaymenagerie3350]

Awwwww *yeast* another carnivarium. I've made a Nepenthes carnivarium but they seem to overgrow it quickly so I've to trim it every now and then

[@whitehorsedancing]

That's a masterpiece! Beautiful.

[@miri8851]

I have been waiting for more carnivorous plants yay

[@rebecca_lunasadow7555]

I really like this video. I hope to see an update soon. the lava rocks make a nice contrast with the greenery.

[@pattivermeersch7348]

Gorgeous

[@robertforrest7956]

Those are the same sundews Rachel O'Leary recommend to me for my orchid case. Grown and done very well.

[@pollywogapocalypse7432]

3:03 trusty fan brush is to Tanner what tiny whisk is to Binging with Babish. *Trusty fan brush we love you!*

[@eugeneissilly4810]

You should make another video where you show all of your terrariums and aquariums, it’ll be really cool to look back on all of your projects and it should get a lot of views

[@chrisr.1803]

My fav so far! It’s beautiful!

[@teixeir3]

Amazing design and video!

[@mariagarza854]

Love your work!

[@carpediem.9]

Very beautiful end result, however I believe Droseras do need some nutrients from the soil as well. They do feed from trapping insects and they live in nutrient poor soil but they do feed from the soil as well :)

[@dreadfulbadger]

This might just be the coolest carnivorous plant.

[@markloren2133]

Beautiful.

[@ronniet71]

Awesome my friend!!!

[@sdcoinshooter]

Why am I watching this? I have no idea but I am enjoying it.

[@Melissapondlove]

What’s up SerpaMan?😁Thanks for all the info 🎉🎉❤Stunning design as always!!❤

[@edgardner6798]

Gorgeous again. It looks perfect next to your bonsai. I saw some similar tiny versions of your flytrap whilst sitting on a Swedish riverbank. I was amazed to see them growing wild in Northern Europe. I have 1 Venus flytrap, I’ll get another carnivorous and then follow your instructions. Thank you.

[@icgreener]

Ohhh 😮 another beauty!!! You have an artist eye! ❤️❤️❤️

[@stevesmith4051]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@waynelkduarte45]

Beautiful nice to know about dailymisting of sundew

[@Alypinkflower]

really cute...cant wait for an updates..good job once again

[@sofachips]

This was so cool to see, wish we had cool plants like that around here.

[@NicK-qc6nm]

Awesome! I’ve lately really been into pitchers. I think that you could make something awesome with pitchers. By the way, the terrarium is beautiful

[@pennyritter4020]

You never disappoint. Will you need to feed the Sundew?

[@SerpaDesign]

Shouldn't have to. I suspect they will attract prey items on their own.